Apparatus for removing fallen slag from beneath a flame cutting table

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an improved apparatus for removing fallen slag from beneath a flame cutting table. A three-sided scoop is positioned below the table. Co-acting guide members are mounted along the sides of the scoop and the table. Chains are fastened to each side of the scoop and extend around vertically positioned sprockets at opposite ends of the table. The chain is located below a portion of the table guide member for protection from falling slag and heat. A motor engages the sprockets to drag the scoop from one end of the table to the other. A tube fastened to the table is positioned for carrying the returning chain.

I claim: 
     
       1. An improved apparatus for removing fallen slag from beneath a flame cutting table of the type having powered means for raking the slag along a path between legs of the table, the improvement comprising: a scoop having two parallel sides and one end positioned beneath the table on the path for raking the slag;   chain drive means connected to the sides of the scoop having vertically mounted sprockets positioned on opposite sides of the path and on opposite ends of the table; and   guide means for guiding the scoop along the path substantially parallel to the sides of the table, said guide means having two co-acting members, one being fastened to the side of the scoop and the other being fastened to a table on opposite sides of the path.   
     
     
       2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the guide means comprises: a pair of opposing channel members mounted to the table on each side of the path so that a slot is defined by their opposing edges; and   a flange connected to each side of the scoop and extending laterally into the slot.   
     
     
       3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the chain drive means includes a chain attached to the edge of the flange and carried within the space defined by the two channel members. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of claim 1 additionally comprising a chain support means attached to the table above the channel members for carrying the return portion of the chain. 
     
     
       5. An apparatus for removing fallen slag from beneath a flame cutting table, comprising: a scoop positioned beneath the table and having two parallel sides, an end and a flange extending laterally from each side;   a pair of sprockets vertically aligned on opposite sides of the scoop and on opposite ends of the table;   an elongated housing positioned beneath and extending the length of the table on opposite sides of the scoop, said housing having a horizontal slot for the reception of the flange;   a chain having one end attached to the leading end of the flange and the other end attached to the trailing end of the flange, extending through the housing and around both sprockets; and   drive means in engagement with the sprockets to rotate and drag the scoop.   
     
     
       6. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising a tube mounted to the table above the housing for receiving the return portion of the chain. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the housing comprises a pair of channel members mounted opposing each other and aligned to define a slot.